Wish List 2015: Travel Agents and Mexico

Next year, I’m hoping two ASTA initiatives that gained momentum this year – growing its membership and promoting the value of travel agents – will continue to gain momentum. And believe it or not, I’m hoping for another frigid winter, not because I like the cold, but because winter 2014 provided travel agents with a huge bookings boost.

After all that Los Cabos endured this year, I’d love to see the destination experience one of its best years ever. As for Mexico in general, I’m hoping for announcements on even more new hotels, as well as news on enhancements to existing properties. Mexico’s incredible property portfolio, after all, plays a major role in attracting visitors to the country.

More Members for ASTA

Here’s to ASTA taking its successful 2014 initiative to bolster membership to an even higher level in 2015. This year, Travel Leaders made it mandatory for its franchisees to join the society in the next two years, following similar moves by Signature Travel Network, MAST and the American Marketing Group, parent of consortiums Travelsavers and NEST.

More travel agencies and networks need to get behind their preeminent trade organization, which advocates for them on governmental levels, promotes their value to consumers and offers them a robust arsenal of educational opportunities. I mean, why wouldn’t you want to get behind that?

ASTA continuing efforts to promote the value of travel agents bore some significant fruit this year, with a Google marketing campaign garnered more than 3.5 million impressions and ASTA’s consumer site doubled its number of agent referrals. This year, I’m hoping ASTA’s efforts will gain even more momentum.

As a reporter who covers the agent beat, I’ve seen first hand how innovative and creative agents, and how many triumphed over the ’90s commission cuts and the perception on that part of many that the Internet would lead to their demise. Over the past year, I’ve written innumerable profiles on successful, savvy agents whose clients totally understand their value. Yet, there appears to be legions of consumers out there who still aren’t getting it. So I hope ASTA continues to move the needle on that front.

Another Harsh Winter? Bring it On!

Dare I say it? As conflicted as I am about the prospect of living through another harsh winter, a repeat performance in 2015 certainly wouldn’t be a bad thing for agents. In fact, it could be a very good thing, as it was last winter. According to anecdotal reports from agents, the freezing temperatures and seemingly endless onslaught of snowstorms produced unprecedented numbers of last-minute bookings.

There was an ancillary benefit as well. Many travelers went ahead and booked their 2015 winter vacations during winter 2014 to ensure their places in the sun, so to speak. So if the predictions of the weather forecaster are correct and we find ourselves enduring another deep freeze winter next year, at least there’s a consolation: It sure could be good for business.

Here’s to Los Cabos Experiencing a Record Year

There’s no doubt that Los Cabos is far along in its post Hurricane Odile recovery process. After all Los Cabos endured in 2014, I’m hoping that 2015 turns out to be one for the record books. Next year, I’m hoping there will be little left to report regarding post-Odile recovery. Hopefully we can focus on how the destination will expand its tourism infrastructure with new hotels, air service and attractions.

The destination is indeed moving forward. Delta and Spirit just added a slate of new flights to Cabo for winter season and a number of hotel companies – Ritz-Carlton, JW Marriott, Thompson and Park Hyatt – are developing properties here. So next year, I’m pinning my hopes on Los Cabos hitting it out of the park.

More Hotel Development for Mexico

It’s been very gratifying to see the robust tourism numbers coming out of Mexico this year, which provide a clear indication that lingering safety concerns and the effects of the recession are, for the most part, are a thing of the past. One thing that’s remained a constant, though, and has contributed significantly in enticing travelers to visit Mexico, is the ongoing commitment on the part of hoteliers to expand and enhance their products. Every year brings announcement on new hotels and enhancement to existing properties. I look forward to even more announcements next year.

There’s already plenty of hotel developments happening in 2015, including the debut of Secrets Akumal Riviera Maya; the opening of a Ritz-Carlton Reserve and JW Marriott in Los Cabos; and the addition of 58 over-water infinity pool suites to Karisma’s El Dorado Maroma in the Riviera Maya. Next year, I hope, and expect, hoteliers will announce even more expansion and enhancement plans for 2016 and beyond.

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